His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14
Day 263 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues as go back to Daniel, where my commentary* indicates in exile and "[n]ow in his later years, Daniel has served a succession of Babylonian leaders....During the first and third years of Belshazzar’s rule, Daniel has two of the most amazing prophetic dreams since Ezekiel’s vision of the great battle against Gog and the hordes of evil....Various themes are evident. Throughout the universe, just as between warring nations, there is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil, between God and Satan, between justice and injustice, between morality and immorality. And the same battle is waged within every individual. While evil brings about its own destruction even now, there will come a time when the great destruction of evil and its champions will take place. It will be a final destruction, giving way to a permanent state of peace and righteousness in the eternal kingdom of God."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
At the end of my scripture reading today (after Daniel 8), my commentary indicates: "Daniel himself did not know exactly what to make of all that he had seen, and any difficult questions which the visions may raise should not obscure the more obvious message of hope which the visions clearly bring."
While God's thoughts and His ways are not our own (Isaiah 55:8), and much of scripture remains a mystery, we certainly know that we can place our hope in Jesus who forgives sin, gives us life to the full now on earth, and eternity in Heaven with Him. Jesus has dominion over all, including evil, sin, and death not just for us, but for all human kind and for all eternity (evil, sin and death will ultimately be defeated permanently).
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has defeated evil, sin, and death...so that I and others can have life...to the full. Thank You Jesus...for going to the cross for me and suffering on behalf of me. I am not deserving of such a gift of grace. My sins of gossip, worry, pride, etc. continue. Forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
